Rule-makers raise goal-line tech requirements

ZURICH (AP) — Football's rule-makers raised the standard of accuracy for goal-line technology on Thursday, a move that could convince more leagues to sanction high-tech aids for referees.

The English Premier League was quick to install cameras in stadiums this season after the International Football Association Board's landmark approval of technology.

But other leagues have been more cautious about introducing technology, with the Bundesliga saying the margin of error of three centimeters "is simply too big for us."

Now the IFAB has agreed to restrict the maximum margin of error to 1.5 centimeters from 2014.

FIFA said the change, which takes effect next year, is based on evidence from the Premier League and the Confederations Cup showing how the technology is constantly improving.

The Premier League uses the camera-based Hawk-Eye system. FIFA has adopted GoalRef, which uses magnetic fields to rule on disputed goals, for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil after it was successfully trialed at the Confederations Cup this year.